James R. Michael passed away November 29, 2022 at Otterbein-Cridersville after a 4 ½ fight with cancer with the love of his life, Carolyn (his fulltime caregiver) at his side.
He was born April 1, 1935 in Gallipolis, Ohio to LeRoy ‘Mike’ and Thelma (Livesay) Michael. When he was 2 years old, during the flood of 1937, he and his parents were rescued through a 2nd story window apartment above his grandfather’s grocery store. Must have been the beginning of his love for water and boating at a very early age.
He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1953. Jim joined the US. Navy in 1952 and spent 13 years in the Naval Reserves.
He immediately went to work at Westinghouse Small Motors in the manufacturing engineering department for 34 years plus built motor factories in Juarez, Mexico. After Westinghouse closed, he was hired by Textron for 13 years and did their safety and environmental programs in 13 different plants throughout the US. After Textron he finished doing safety and environmental programs for Smith-Boughan Mechanical Services.
Jim was one of a few certified by the State of Ohio to teach fire fighting to many of the area volunteer squads as far south as Springfield. He pushed the SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) which no one had been trained at that time. He was captain and on the board of directors for the Elida Fire Company until it was turned over to American Township in 2007. He was mayor of Elida from 1974-1976.
Jim sang in the Lima Bean and Grand Lake barbershop choruses. He was Barbershoper of the Year in Lima 2010. He was a 50-year member of the Lima Power Squadron and performed over 1000 boat inspections for safety during those years. He was a Senior Navigator and Commander in 1965. Jim was District 4 captain of the Patriot Guard that stood for veteran’s funerals. He belonged to Lima Safety Council and was Safety Person of the year in 2010. He was a 45-year member of the Elks and 65-year member of the Masonic Temple in Dayton.
He is survived by his wife of 40 ½ years – Carolyn (Loyer) Michael of Cridersville; a daughter – Christine (Dick) Zahm of Huntington, Indiana; 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandkids. Also, stepchildren – Jennifer (Mike) Havens, Janice (Kent) Fowler, Jeff (Beverly) Marshall all of the Columbus area; plus, Jill (James) Westbrook of Florida, 10 step grandkids and 10 step great grandkids.
He was preceded in death by his parents, baby sister Patricia Michael, daughter – Lisa (Steve) Rymarquis; and his father and mother-in-law – Paul and Orlefa Loyer.
A celebration of life will begin 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Otterbein Community room with a gathering following ending at 3:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be given to Allentown Church, Mercy Health SRMC Hospice or Cancer Center or Patriot Guard, 1954 Co. Rd. 29, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.
An extra ‘thank you’ to the nurses at Otterbein rehab area for their care the last 2 weeks of his life.
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